Home » INTERVIEW : EIGHT CONTINENTS HOTELS AND RESORTS GEARS UP FOR EXPANSION, INDIA EMERGING AS KEY MARKET SAYS RICHA ADHIA, MANAGING DIRECTOR
Interview

INTERVIEW : EIGHT CONTINENTS HOTELS AND RESORTS GEARS UP FOR EXPANSION, INDIA EMERGING AS KEY MARKET SAYS RICHA ADHIA, MANAGING DIRECTOR

BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY

NEW DELHI, 19 SEPTEMBER 2024:

  1. Can you provide some background on Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts and their journey since its establishment in 2020?

Answer – Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, founded in 2020 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, has swiftly become a dynamic player in the global hospitality industry. Fueled by passion and a vision for growth, the company has embarked on a journey to establish itself as the fastest-growing hotel management chain worldwide.

At the heart of Eight Continents’ success lies its commitment to providing a diverse range of lifestyle preferences and accommodation options, coupled with gracious services that promise a truly memorable guest experience. The company’s innovative approach is bolstered by a world-class digital infrastructure, reflecting its adaptability to modern technologies and customer needs.

From its inception, Eight Continents has focused on building a robust and enthusiastic team of professionals, both locally and internationally. This resolute workforce has instilled discipline, elevated standards, and fostered a sense of family within the organization. This emphasis on people reflects in the company’s 360-degree integrated hotel management service, aiming to create exceptional value for guests.

Recognizing India as a cornerstone of global tourism, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts has strategically expanded its footprint in the country. The company is actively contributing to India’s vibrant hospitality landscape, driven by a spirit of exploration, discovery, and a commitment to journey beyond conventional boundaries.

  1. How does Eight Continents differentiate itself in terms of lifestyle preferences and accommodation options, and what strategies do you employ to cater to a diverse range of clientele?

Answer- Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts distinguishes itself in the hospitality market by employing a multifaceted approach that combines cutting-edge technology and proactive business re-engineering. Our commitment to leveraging the latest advancements ensures a seamless and technologically sophisticated experience for guests, optimizing both front-end hotel operations and revenue management. This approach not only enhances guest experiences but also streamlines back-house operations for efficiency, positioning us as a leader in the competitive hospitality market.

One key aspect that sets us apart is our dedication to continuous staff development through a robust e-learning platform in collaboration with a reputable UK-based provider. This platform serves as the cornerstone for our team’s ongoing training, ensuring they receive regular and comprehensive sessions designed to enhance service quality. What makes our approach unique is the monthly review conducted by our external hotel training provider, ensuring that the training content remains dynamic and relevant to evolving guest needs and expectations. This strategic investment in staff development positions us as a leader in delivering exceptional hospitality, ultimately fostering guest satisfaction and cultivating loyalty in an industry where the guest experience is paramount.

  1. In your pursuit of becoming the fastest-growing hotel management chain, what challenges have you encountered, and how have you overcome them?

Answer – In the pursuit of becoming the fastest-growing hotel management chain, we have encountered a significant challenge that is prevalent in the whole hospitality industry today – the global shortage of skilled professionals. This shortage, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, witnessed a substantial workforce shift towards other industries, including logistics, IT, and startups. To address this pressing issue, Eight Continents has strategically implemented initiatives aimed at overcoming the shortage of skilled talent.

A pivotal strategy employed by the company involves establishing collaborative partnerships with schools and colleges. Through these partnerships, Eight Continents actively participates in the creation and promotion of apprentice programs designed to provide students with hands-on training and exposure to the diverse facets of the hospitality sector. This proactive engagement with educational institutions reflects Eight Continents’ commitment to inspiring and attracting individuals to pursue a career in hospitality, despite the prevailing challenges.

The emphasis on apprentice programs serves as a tangible demonstration of Eight Continents’ dedication to nurturing talent within the industry. By actively participating in the educational ecosystem, the company endeavors to bridge the existing skill gap and cultivate a pool of skilled professionals capable of contributing to the success and growth of the hospitality sector. Through these strategic initiatives, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts strives to overcome the challenges posed by the shortage of expertise, ensuring a sustainable and flourishing future for the company in the dynamic realm of hotel management.

  1. How does Eight Continents embrace sustainability and responsible tourism practices in its operations, considering the increasing importance of these aspects in the modern hospitality industry?

Answer – Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts is committed to embracing sustainability and responsible tourism practices in its operations, reflecting the increasing importance of these aspects in the modern hospitality industry. The company recognizes the evolving landscape and has adopted several strategies to align with these trends.

One significant aspect of Eight Continents’ approach is the integration of advanced technologies to enhance guest services and operational efficiency. The utilization of artificial intelligence in various facets of their operations, such as AI-driven guest services, contactless check-ins, and smart room features, not only improves the overall guest experience but also aligns with the industry’s push for digitalization. This tech-savvy approach positions Eight Continents as an innovative player in the hospitality sector.

Furthermore, Eight Continents places a strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Acknowledging the growing environmental concerns and the shift towards responsible tourism, the company has implemented various green initiatives. This includes the adoption of energy-efficient systems, waste reduction measures, and other environmentally friendly practices. By doing so, Eight Continents appeals to the increasingly eco-conscious traveler, contributing to the broader effort to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the hospitality industry.

The company’s commitment to sustainability is not just a marketing strategy but a genuine effort to minimize its environmental impact. Through these initiatives, Eight Continents demonstrates its dedication to responsible tourism and sets an example for the industry as a whole. This adaptability not only resonates with the expectations of the modern traveler but also positions Eight Continents as a leader in the hospitality sector, where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand to maximize both guest satisfaction and environmental responsibility.

  1. You have recently added Stamps Kana in your prestigious portfolio. Can you please through light on this addition?

Answer – Stamps Kana by Eight Continents is a contemporary hotel situated in a key institutional and corporate hub, conveniently close to major tourist attractions. Designed to cater to corporate travelers, leisure guests, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events, the hotel offers exquisitely furnished rooms that blend comfort with sophistication, featuring modern amenities to ensure a memorable stay for discerning travelers.

Renowned for its excellent hospitality and personalized service, the hotel’s restaurant, Chamka, boasts a vibrant ambiance and a diverse multi-cuisine menu to satisfy various culinary preferences. The hotel also features an on-site restaurant, bar, and banquet hall named Carfue, providing perfect settings for casual dining and grand celebrations. The bar, Chaska, offers a first-class wining experience with expertly crafted cocktails and mocktails, where guests can unwind in the relaxing lounge area after exploring Jodhpur’s attractions.

The Chaupal banquet hall is ideal for hosting meetings, get-togethers, and events for 200-300 guests. It boasts the largest pillar-less multi-purpose event space in central Jodhpur, with attentive staff ensuring every event is meticulously planned and executed.

Conveniently located near Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore Garden, and other famous attractions, Stamps Kana allows guests to explore Jodhpur’s rich cultural heritage with ease. This prime location makes Stamps Kana the perfect choice for traveler.

  1.  What are the key plans of Eight Continents Hotels and Resorts for next 12-16 months?

Answer –Eight Continent’s vision is centered on crafting a unique brand identity that resonates with customers and stands out in the competitive hospitality market. This involves not only defining the brand’s values, visual elements, and messaging but also cultivating a workplace culture where employees are deeply connected to and proud of the brand they represent. By fostering such a culture, Eight Continent aims to create an environment where team members feel empowered and motivated to deliver exceptional service that aligns with the brand’s promise.

Moreover, Eight Continent aspires to achieve a significant market share in the hospitality industry by prioritizing health-conscious offerings. This strategic focus on health aligns with evolving consumer preferences and positions the brand as a leader in providing wellness-oriented experiences. By catering to the growing demand for health-focused hospitality services, Eight Continent aims to attract a loyal customer base and solidify its position as a key player in the market.

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